Protagonist Pictures Takes Rights To Sundance Doc

UK based sales company Protagonist Pictures has announced that it is handling international sales for Malik Bendjelloul’s debut feature SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN, which will have its world premiere as the Opening Night Film of the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival next month. Produced by Simon Chinn (PROJECT NIM, MAN ON WIRE) and executive produced by John Battsek (ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER, THE TILLMAN STORY), the film tells the incredible story of Rodriguez, the greatest 70s rock icon who never was. Discovered in a Detroit bar in the late 60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album which they believed would secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide.  But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, he became a phenomenon. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Protagonist Pictures will handle international sales, and will co-rep North American rights with Josh Braun of Submarine. Protagonist is also handling international sales on two other titles in Sundance – Lynn Shelton’s YOUR SISTER’S SISTER (which will be distributed in North America by IFC Films) and Bart Layton’s THE IMPOSTER (which is being sold in the US by Submarine and CAA).

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